
5 Essential Tips for Collecting Pop Art
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Whether your desire to collect Pop art is fueled by the prospect of a stable investment or by an enthusiasm for the vibrant aesthetic appeal of the work, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the central tenets and key players of the movement. This will offer insights into the thematic elements present in a work, its historical importance, and the growth potential of its value over time. Most importantly, doing your research will help you better understand what aspects of the movement specifically appeal to you.
2. UNDERSTAND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE WORK
3. START BY COLLECTING EDITIONED WORKS
For collectors who are just starting out, prints, multiples, drawings, and figurine toys are an accessible way to break into the market without breaking the bank.
For those interested in collecting works by contemporary Pop artists, Rutland pointed to multiples by artists such as KAWS as an approachable entry point for new collectors. While works by KAWS have seen a massive growth in market value, the artist’s three-dimensional figurines can still be purchased for less than $1,000.
4. CONFIRM A WORK’S AUTHENTICITY AND EXAMINE CONDITION
When acquiring works by any high-value artist, it’s important to determine the authenticity of the work and obtain documentation. Because of their replicable nature, this is particularly crucial for Pop art works.
Purchasing a work from a gallery or auction house is a sound way to ensure the authenticity of the work, as the institution is “willing to put its warranty and reputation behind it.”
5. EXPLORE EMERGING ARTISTS WORKING IN THE POP ART TRADITION
Speaking to Pop art’s lasting impact, Christie’s White Young explained that “there is a timelessness to Pop art, at least in its core function: a representation of popular culture, of everyday life. Today’s artists might still hold onto that tenet, but they present it in a more relevant light.”